Three-Day Event is Projected to Generate an Estimated $1 Million in Direct Expenditures for Charlotte County

CHARLOTTE HARBOR & THE GULF ISLANDS, Fla. (Oct. 06, 2014) – USA BMX has selected Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands as the location for the Sunshine State Nationals, scheduled for Feb. 13 – 15, 2015, at the Charlotte BMX Track at Carmalita Park in Punta Gorda, Fla. The event is anticipated to attract 800 – 1,000 riders plus more than 2,500 family members from across the country. Preliminary estimates show the event projects to generate over 2,000 hotel room nights and over $1 million in direct expenditures for Charlotte County.

Growing in popularity over the last decade, BMX bicycle riding is a family-friendly sport. Each year, USA BMX sanctions and hosts approximately 35 other national-level events around the country.

Third time’s a charm as the Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau worked closely with Charlotte BMX for three consecutive years in jointly submitting bids to USA BMX to host an event. The two organizations will partner with a number of other community entities and organizations to coordinate logistics, housing, and other components to ensure the event’s success.

"Charlotte BMX is extremely excited to be selected to host a USA BMX National in 2015. This accomplishment would have never been possible without all of the volunteers both parents and riders who have dedicated countless hours to make our facility world class,” said Amanda Carr, President of Charlotte BMX who is also an accomplished professional BMX racer, “Also, the Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau has been instrumental with our bidding process and we all look forward to bringing a brilliant event to Charlotte County!"

Charlotte BMX has hosted other championship races such as the 2009, 2011, and 2013 Sunshine State BMX Series Championship Qualifier and Summer Series Qualifier in 2007. In addition, Charlotte BMX is scheduled to again host a State Qualifier event January 2-4, 2015.

All events for the competition will be held at Charlotte BMX at 2505 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda, Fla. Updated event information can be found on the track’s website at www.charlottebmx.net.

About Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands
Located halfway between Tampa and Naples on the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands is a charming collection of nine coastal communities surrounding the state’s second largest harbor. Florida’s premier year-round eco-tourism destination, the area offers a pristine unspoiled beauty. In 2014 Port Charlotte has been named the top U.S. Best Value Destination by trivago, the world’s largest online hotel search site, and the Charlotte Sports Park, spring training home of the Tampa Bay Rays, was voted “Best Spring Training Facility” by readers of USA TODAY. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands has been named one of SAIL magazine’s “10 Greatest Places to Sail in the United States,” ranked by Golf Digest as “Third Best Place to Live and Play Golf in America,” and rated by MONEY magazine as one of the “Best Places to Live in the South.” Englewood was named second of the Top Ten emerging travel destinations in the U.S. by TripAdvisor.com. The area is served by five airports: The Punta Gorda Airport (PDG) with private and charter air service, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), Southwest Florida International Airport, Ft. Myers, (RSW), St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TPA).

For more information on visiting Charlotte Harbor visit www.CharlotteHarborTravel.com or call1-800-652-6090.

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About the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast

Florida's premier year-round eco-tourism destination, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, The Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast, is known for its pristine, unspoiled beauty. The area has hosted seven major feature films, been featured on SAIL magazine's list of the "10 Greatest Places to Sail in the United States," ranked by Golf Digest as the "Third Best Place to Live and Play Golf in America," and rated by MONEY magazine as one of the "Best Places to Live in the South." For information about area events, activities and attractions, contact the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast Visitor and Convention Bureau, 18500 Murdock Circle, Suite B-104, Port Charlotte, FL; 941-743-1900, or call toll free at 1-800-652-6090 for a free Visitor's Guide; or visit the Web site at CharlotteHarborTravel.com.